Saturday the 28th of June saw White Crane take on Bangash Polo Team for the Cooch Behar Cup, one of the much-anticipated Gold Cup league games, on a crowded Brooks field.
On Saturday the 28th of June, White Crane faced off against the Bangash Polo Team in the Cooch Behar Cup, one of the most anticipated league matches of the Gold Cup, played before a packed crowd at Brooks Field.
Alexie Calvert-Ansari (0) rode out at 1 for his White Crane side, with Marcos Araya (6) at 2, 10- goaler Pablo Pieres at 3, and Felipe Dabas (6) at Back. For the Bangash team Haider Bangash (0) wore the number 1 shirt, with Tomas Fernandez-Llorente (7) at 2, Felix Esain (6) at 3, and 8-goaler Alfredo Capella at Back.
Under the heat off the afternoon sun, both teams launched into the game with attacking play. However it was White Crane who seized early momentum, with a flurry of goals from Pieres and Araya giving them the edge in the opening chukkas. Despite Capella’s powerful strikes keeping Bangash in contention, the scoreboard read 5-2 in White Crane’s favour heading into the third. Bangash came fighting back in the third, with field goals from Capella, Esain, and Llorente narrowing the gap. Despite an unfortunate fall for Haider Bangash that led to a substitution by Noah Hyde, the team’s momentum remained strong. Their determination kept the pressure on, but White Crane managed to hold firm, entering halftime with a narrow 7-5 lead.
The fourth and fifth chukkas maintained the high-scoring tempo, with White Crane just managing to keep their noses in front. Entering the final chukka with a 13-10 advantage, the match was still very much alive. Bangash showed true teamwork in the last chukka, with standout goals from Llorente and Capella almost turning the tide. But White Crane’s relentless scoring ability proved decisive, as they held on for a well-earned 16-13 win in an exciting, hard-fought contest.
The Cooch Behar cup was presented to Alexie Calvert-Ansari by Tasha Hipwood , on the beautiful backdrop of Brooks field. With the Cowdary Vikings Best Playing Pony Rug being awarded to Irenita Cachilla, played and owned by Tomas Fernandez-Llorente, and expertly turned out by groom Diego Oddiozola.
